Press Releases

Bucks County Sports Hall of Fame Announces Inductees

Thursday, March 4, 2010 5:04 PM

Bucks County Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame Announces Second Class of Inductees

(Bucks County, PA) The Bucks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame is thrilled to announce and induct its second class. On April 15, 2010, the inductees will be honored and officially inducted into the Hall of Fame at Kings Caterers in Levittown. The new Hall of Fame will be housed in the Bucks County Visitors Center in Bensalem.

Chartered in May 2008, the Bucks County Chapter is dedicated to recognizing individual athletes, coaches, members of the media, community sports organizers, athletic administrators, and other deserving contributors who have helped establish Bucks County as a hotbed for athletics in the state. Presently, the chapter has 182 members.

Being inducted into the Bucks County Chapter gives the inductees the opportunity to be nominated for the Pennsylvania State Sports Hall of Fame, the most prestigious sports hall of fame in the state; members include sports legends: Arnold Palmer, Connie Mack, Jim Thorpe, Chuck Bednarik, Steve Van Buren, and many others.

“The Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau (BCCVB) is honored to house the memorabilia of these deserving inductees at our beautiful Visitors Center.” Stated Heather Walter, Sports Marketing Manager of BCCVB, “After the exhibits first full year, it has proven to be a popular addition for residents and visitors alike. We look forward to continuing to spread the word of the great talent native to our county.”

Over 400 people attended last year’s inaugural banquet; another sellout is anticipated for this year.

The 2010 inductees are:

Bob Baxter, Neshaminy football player from 1961 to 1963. Named to the 1963 High School All-American Team, Drafted by Cleveland Browns in 1968Debbie Black- Archbishop Wood High School Basketball, played 18 professional basketball seasons retiring in 2005. WNBA Defensive Player of the Year with the Miami Sol.Anthony “Chic” D’Angelo (Deceased) Athletic Director, Basketball, Football, and Track Coach at Bristol High School from 1952 to 1977. Founding father of the Bicentennial Athletic ConferenceHarry Franks (Deceased)- Neshaminy Head Football Coach from 1952 – 1959, The Neshaminy Football Stadium is named after him.Bob Hart, Lower Bucks Football Team, Lower Bucks County and District One Shot Put Champion. Penn State Football letter winner in 1960- 62. Member of 1960- 62 Lambert Trophy WinnersC.D. Mock, Council Rock wrestler and present Head Coach at the University of North Carolina, 1978 PA State Wrestling Champion while at Council RockVic Napolitano, Coach of Pennsbury High School Baseball team from 1965 to 1993 with 13 league titles. Signed with St. Louis Cardinals 1952. Winner of the 1994 Courier Times Twin Sports AwardAnne Parsons, Morrisville High School- the driving force behind female interscholastic sports participation in Bucks County from 1947. Since 1979, the Morrisvil1e
Girls' Athletic Club gives the "Ann Parsons Scholar Athlete Award" to deserving female athletes. Mike Pettine Sr., C.B. West football coachBill Preston, Council Rock High School Track and Cross Country Coach from 1968 to 1996- No coach in the history of Bucks County Sports has won as many PIAA State Titles.Vince Reed, "The Voice of Bucks County Sports" for the past 42 years on WBCB radio 1490. He was also the voice of Villanova Football and Basketball for 5yrs. Mike Vreeswyk, 1981-85 Morrisville Basketball Player, Member Big Five Hall of Fame and Temple University Hall of Fame. Played professionally in Europe for 9 seasons.Cindy Woodward, Morrisville High School Softball player, received the Greater Bucks County Chapter of Softball Officials Outstanding Player Award in her senior year. Pitching coach at Princeton University1960 Levittown American Little League World Series Champions

Tickets are $45 per person. Sponsorships and ads are available to interested parties from $75 to $500. Interested parties should contact Heather Walters, Sports Marketing Manager, 215 639 0300 ext. 227 or hwalter@visitbuckscounty.com at the Bucks County Visitors Bureau for more information.

About Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau (BCCVB)The Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau, Inc (BCCVB) is the official tourist promotion agency for Bucks County, PA. The mission of the BCCVB is to increase visitation in Bucks County by effectively marketing its heritage and its diverse sites and attractions. For more information on BCCVB activities call 1-800-836-BUCKS, visit www.VisitBucksCounty.com or stop by the Bucks County Visitor Center located at 3207 Street Road in Bensalem (adjacent to the entrance to PARX Casino). The Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9a.m until 5 p.m. It is easily accessible from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Route 1 and Interstate 95.